How to create beard using planes?

Hi,

I understand how to create hair by using textured hair planes. If using this technique for hair I have no problem linking the polygons to the head bone.

However, I was wondering how to deal with a beard. I animate by using blend shapes, so how do I get the beard planes to deform when the character speaks?? Should I include the planes in the same mesh and deform them as well when doing the blend shapes? Can I use skin wrap?